Woman who lost all four limbs looking forward to life with special bionic arms after surprise help from Jarrow engineering firm

A quadruple amputee is looking forward to a more independent life with bionic arms thanks to a kindhearted engineering firm boss, and others who pitched in to help her.
Kathleen Maher and Vincent Mullen, UTS EngineeringKathleen Maher and Vincent Mullen, UTS Engineering
Kathleen Maher and Vincent Mullen, UTS Engineering
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The target has since been reached after Shaun Sadler, managing director of UTS Engineering, supported the cause with a £10,000 donation.

Kathleen Maher with her current prosthetic limbs and the bionic arms which will give her more independence.Kathleen Maher with her current prosthetic limbs and the bionic arms which will give her more independence.
Kathleen Maher with her current prosthetic limbs and the bionic arms which will give her more independence.

Kathleen, now 48, said: “Two years ago my life was turned upside down, I was a legal secretary working in Newcastle and within the space of a week I was in a coma fighting for my life.

“The result was the loss of my limbs and I rely on carers who look after me four times a day and my brother, Anthony, who cooks all my meals.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed that Shaun Sadler of UTS Engineering, who I have never met, donated an incredible £10,000 to help me.

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“To be able to have arms means I can do the simple things again, such as brushing my hair and slowly attempt a more independent life.”

Mr Salder said: “As a Jarrow person I want to be able to give back to South Tyneside. I heard about Kathleen’s fundraising target and immediately wanted to help. She has had such a terrible time but is a real fighter.”

Kathleen was working as a legal secretary, as well as caring for her 87-year-old mother with vascular dementia, when she took ill two years ago.

After feeling unwell all week, she collapsed at home on Saturday, February 17, 2018 and was taken to South Tyneside District Hospital.

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Doctors described her case as “one of the worst” they had ever seen and warned it was likely that she may not survive.

She was placed on numerous medications and given dialysis as her kidneys were failing, but necrosis quickly set into her hands and feet as her circulation worsened and veins began to collapse.

On March 16, Kathleen was transferred to the ICCU at Sunderland Royal Hospital, but unfortunately her limbs could not be saved and she required amputation to prevent further infection.

She underwent two separate operations to remove both legs, six inches below the knee and then both arms below the elbow.

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After just a few weeks, her kidneys began to work again and she was taken off dialysis permanently.

Kathleen began adapting to her new life without limbs, but loved ones saw she was limited to what she could achieve with the prosthetic limbs she has been given and launched the fundraising campaign, which has now come to fruition.

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